THERAPY DOGS AND AUTISTIC CHILDREN
Though a relatively new area, therapy dogs for autistic children are being used in many areas of the country. To an autistic child, the world is often filled with loud distractions, bright lights, disorienting stimuli, and uncontrollable nervous impulses. These days, more and more autistic children are facing this challenging world with a loving companion by their side: their therapy dog. Though a relatively new area of study, therapy dogs for autistic children are being used in many areas of the country, and the list of
organizations that promote their use is growing.
How therapy dogs help autistic children
If you've ever watched a service dog help a person with a physical disability, it shouldn't come as a surprise that canine companions can also be used help children with autism. Here are some of the ways these dogs make life better and more manageable for children with autism:
Calming the child.
Autistic children are subject to wild and random-seeming emotional outbursts. Therapy dogs that have bonded with autistic children have been shown to help keep them calmer. The dog remains calm and supportive during the child's tantrum—and the child must understand that the dog is there for him to pet and hug. This may not be viable for all autistic children-dog partnerships, but it has been demonstrated to work in some cases.
Reducing repetitive motion.
Many autistic children exhibit repetitive movements and behaviors, such as rocking back and forth. In some cases these mannerisms can become very forceful and last for prolonged periods of time. With a loyal—and well-trained—therapy dog to hug, some autistic children spend less time exhibiting repetitive movements. Therapy dogs may even been trained to recognize the onset of these episodes and interrupt the child.
Keeping the child from wandering off.
Families with autistic children know that they must be ever vigilant because of their child's tendency to wander off. Therapy dogs are trained to keep these children from straying by circling them and barking to alert family members.
Being a soul mate.
Dogs have earned their "best friend" status because of their uncanny ability to understand their master's emotional wants and needs. It appears that therapy dogs can also form this type of deep emotional bond with autistic children-a bond that transcends the ability of the child to express himself verbally.
Which dogs are best for autistic children?
The art of using dogs with autistic children is still being developed but it is believed that puppies should be used "in order to facilitate the strongest bond possible, and to insure the dog's training matches the child's needs.
Do some breeds make better therapy dogs for children with autism? Not according to Dr. Francois Martin, who has studied using animals to help children with neurological disorders express their emotions. According to Dr. Martin, "What I want is a dog who is very forgiving, people-oriented, and if a person is behaving strangely, the dog will look at the therapist and say, 'That kid is behaving strangely, but it's all right with me.'"
Where to get help
There are a growing number of organizations that train and provide therapy dogs for autistic children. These include Oregon-based Autism Service Dogs of America (ASDA), The Psychiatric Service Dog Society, and The North Star Foundation. However, according to Dr. Martin a family can train a puppy just as well and in some cases better for their child then any organization. An Autistic child will bond with their pup and with a minimal amount of training become “The Best Friend” for each other.
CRITERIA FOR THE RIGHT AUTISM SERVICE DOG
• Up-to-date on shots & heart worm pills
• Best to get a pup and teach to be “Good with children”
• Best to get a pup and teach to be “Good with other pets, including cats”
• Calm and loving disposition
• Fixed (spayed or neutered)
• Should not be too young but a pup is best to start with and teach
• The pup must be “Housebroken”
• Must be in “Great overall health” and kept that way
• Not an "alpha" dog that will dominate the child
• NOT expensive, There is nor reason to spend a lot of money. Should stay less then $500.
• Not too big or too small and sized for the child to be comfortable and able to care for.
• Easy for the child to walk on a leash with out assistance.
• Pays attention and is eager to please.
• Child and dog must show connection
organizations that promote their use is growing.
How therapy dogs help autistic children
If you've ever watched a service dog help a person with a physical disability, it shouldn't come as a surprise that canine companions can also be used help children with autism. Here are some of the ways these dogs make life better and more manageable for children with autism:
Calming the child.
Autistic children are subject to wild and random-seeming emotional outbursts. Therapy dogs that have bonded with autistic children have been shown to help keep them calmer. The dog remains calm and supportive during the child's tantrum—and the child must understand that the dog is there for him to pet and hug. This may not be viable for all autistic children-dog partnerships, but it has been demonstrated to work in some cases.
Reducing repetitive motion.
Many autistic children exhibit repetitive movements and behaviors, such as rocking back and forth. In some cases these mannerisms can become very forceful and last for prolonged periods of time. With a loyal—and well-trained—therapy dog to hug, some autistic children spend less time exhibiting repetitive movements. Therapy dogs may even been trained to recognize the onset of these episodes and interrupt the child.
Keeping the child from wandering off.
Families with autistic children know that they must be ever vigilant because of their child's tendency to wander off. Therapy dogs are trained to keep these children from straying by circling them and barking to alert family members.
Being a soul mate.
Dogs have earned their "best friend" status because of their uncanny ability to understand their master's emotional wants and needs. It appears that therapy dogs can also form this type of deep emotional bond with autistic children-a bond that transcends the ability of the child to express himself verbally.
Which dogs are best for autistic children?
The art of using dogs with autistic children is still being developed but it is believed that puppies should be used "in order to facilitate the strongest bond possible, and to insure the dog's training matches the child's needs.
Do some breeds make better therapy dogs for children with autism? Not according to Dr. Francois Martin, who has studied using animals to help children with neurological disorders express their emotions. According to Dr. Martin, "What I want is a dog who is very forgiving, people-oriented, and if a person is behaving strangely, the dog will look at the therapist and say, 'That kid is behaving strangely, but it's all right with me.'"
Where to get help
There are a growing number of organizations that train and provide therapy dogs for autistic children. These include Oregon-based Autism Service Dogs of America (ASDA), The Psychiatric Service Dog Society, and The North Star Foundation. However, according to Dr. Martin a family can train a puppy just as well and in some cases better for their child then any organization. An Autistic child will bond with their pup and with a minimal amount of training become “The Best Friend” for each other.
CRITERIA FOR THE RIGHT AUTISM SERVICE DOG
• Up-to-date on shots & heart worm pills
• Best to get a pup and teach to be “Good with children”
• Best to get a pup and teach to be “Good with other pets, including cats”
• Calm and loving disposition
• Fixed (spayed or neutered)
• Should not be too young but a pup is best to start with and teach
• The pup must be “Housebroken”
• Must be in “Great overall health” and kept that way
• Not an "alpha" dog that will dominate the child
• NOT expensive, There is nor reason to spend a lot of money. Should stay less then $500.
• Not too big or too small and sized for the child to be comfortable and able to care for.
• Easy for the child to walk on a leash with out assistance.
• Pays attention and is eager to please.
• Child and dog must show connection